WARNING: This is not one of my usual videos of me sitting in front of the camera and talking. This is a 5 minute “micro documentary” celebrating twenty-five years of Merzbow’s harsh noise masterpiece, Venereology.

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When I was in college, there were a few instances where I was beyond dirt poor. Back then, people actually still gave a shit about CDs, so painful as it was, I’d sell off chunks of my music collection so that I could like, pay my bills and eat ‘n’ shit. One of the CDs I sold was an original pressing of Birdflesh’s Night of the Ultimate Mosh on Razorback Recordings.

This past weekend, my wife and I ventured down to Anaheim to get our Disneyland fix. But the magic kingdom wasn’t the only destination on our agenda; Mrs. IG built some time into our busy itinerary to make a stop at the mighty Dark Realm Records. For those unfamiliar, Dark Realm is the Los Angeles area’s only all-metal record store and is run by brothers Rick and Bay Cortez of the legendary Sadistic Intent. I first visited the shop roughly six years ago and was blown away by the selection of CDs, shirts and various other heavy metal goodies, so I couldn’t wait to finally make my second pilgrimage.

In recent months, I have come to know Los Angeles, California’s Lord Time as one of the most challenging and idiosyncratic artists in American black metal. Sole member Andorkappen has crafted a distinctive, enthralling vision that’s thoroughly black, yet at times is only tethered to black metal by the thinnest of threads, incorporating elements of drone, ambient and noise to create dense musical tapestries that are nightmarish, surreal and at times abstract to the point where music transforms into pure, free-form sound exploration. Lord Time’s second album, Black Hole at the End of the Tunnel (henceforth referred to as BHATEOTT) was originally issued on cassette back in 2011, but now sees a vinyl re-release via Andorkappen’s own Universal Consciousness label.

The Yaqui are an Indian tribe that once flourished in what is now the Mexican state of Sonora. According to Wikipedia, the tribe currently numbers between 11 and 15,000, living here in the US as well as Mexico. Like many other Native Americans, the Yaqui have clashed with those who would attempt to rob them of their culture, lands and traditions throughout history. Much of the tribe was converted to Christianity by invaders, but the Yaqui have worked to retain their age-old beliefs and tribal unity in spite of the cultural meddling.Continue reading “Tukaaria – Raw to the Rapine (Profound Lore, 2012)”→

In a recent conversation about music, my wife pointed out that I tend to gravitate towards stuff that is very raw and simplistic. I believe “garagey” was the term she used. She’s absolutely right. I guess this has long been the case, but I had never really thought about it consciously until she brought it up. I mean, I’ve certainly done my fair share of writing and espousing the virtues of raw, primitive music, but I never really considered just how much my listening preferences are dominated by these characteristics.Continue reading “Blitzkrieg #8: Oooh Baby I Like it Raw (from the Trashmen to Transilvanian Hunger)”→

WARNING: The following year end rant contains numerous piss poor attempts at humor and a healthy dose of cynicism. Reader discretion and a grain of salt are advised. THKD cannot be held responsible for anyone suffering from a severe case of butt-hurt as a result of exposure to this rant. Thank you for your support.Continue reading “THKD’s Top 10 Metal Albums of 2011”→